“We thought your audition was, like, spectacular. And we weren’t the only ones who felt that way. Dalton Feretti over at World of Animals thought you have something really special, too.”
“Oh my gosh, thank you!” Cora’s voice trembled. She gave Maggie a thumbs-up.
“Our final three were just so incredible. Like, we could go with any of you and the show would be a hit.”
“Oh, wow,” Cora answered agreeably.
“That’s why we had to really pick the meat off the bones, as it were.” Cora had no idea what Mia meant. “You know, the show is going to get a ton of attention since it’s in direct competition withThe Doggie Dictator, and our trainer is going to have to do quite a bit of media, so we need someone who can handle, like, therigorsof live TV and interviews and stuff.”
“Um-hm.”
“So with that in mind, we had to go with someone else, Cora. We thought you weresoawesome with Honey, but we were concerned that your, um,intensityabout Ershovich might leak out. We totally agree with your perspective on him, but we have to keep it completely positive when we’re on the record. Does that make sense?”
Cora was numb. “Um, yes?” She bit her lip to keep from crying. Fritz crawled out from under the covers and began licking her cheek.
“Please know that we all really loved you, though! You’re super special, Cora!”
Not special enough, clearly.“Thank you, that’s nice of you to say.” Cora took a breath to steady herself. “Before we hang up, may I ask who you went with?”
“Of course! I think you know her, Brooke Keating.”
“Brooke is great. She’s going to be great. I’m so happy for her.” Cora hoped she sounded genuine.
“I know, right? We’re thrilled. I hope you’re going to tune in!”
“You bet, wouldn’t miss it.” Cora played along but wanted to toss her phone across the room.
“Tuesday nights at eight on World of Animals. I’ll shoot you an e-mail so you know when it starts airing.”
“Awesome, thanks again for the opportunity.”
Cora hung up the phone and closed her eyes.
Maggie hopped across the bed and threw her arms around Cora. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she crooned comfortingly. Josie jumped up and muscled her way in between them, offering solace and kisses next to Fritz.
“Can this day get any worse?” Cora sobbed.
“Shhh, it’ll pass. I promise. Cry it out. I’ll get us some ice cream.” Maggie rubbed her back.
“I quit.”
Maggie pulled away from Cora. “Oh no you don’t. Never quit. Take a minute to lick your wounds, then get right back up and kick more ass. Okay? I’ll give you a few days to be sad, then I’m gonna be on you like a flea on a junkyard dog. Got it?”
Cora hiccuped and nodded, then put her head down on the pillow and cried some more.
FORTY
It was the first gathering of the Boozehounds since Cora’s audition. Winnie had selected a hole-in-the-wall, locals-only spot frequented by bold-faced names looking to go incognito. A few of the men sitting at the bar looked official and pissed off.
“A belated toast to Cora’s valiant effort,” Winnie said, raising a glass.
“To Cora,” Vanessa echoed, and they clinked glasses.
“Sorry I couldn’t be the one to unseat the Hound Harasser. I tried.”
“We know you did,” Vanessa said soothingly. “I’m so mad that Brooke got it. When does that stupid show go on the air?”
“Not sure, but they’re probably well under way shooting by now.” It had been over a month since Cora got the news, and she was finally able to think about it without getting depressed.
